Wed Aug 8 20:23:22 2007

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The Tin Man returns to defend Arlington Million

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Arlington Heights, IL (Sports Network) - Defending champion The Tin Man tops a field of eight grass specialists for Saturday's 25th Arlington Million at Arlington Park. A win is an automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Turf.

While The Tin Man is back to defend his title, the 2-1 morning-line favorite is the four-year-old After Market. The Tin Man is the 3-1 second choice.

After Market is on a three race win streak which includes the Eddie Read, Charlie Whittingham and Inglewood Handicaps. Owned by Pam and Martin Wygod, the colt has won seven of 11 lifetime starts for $703,685.

"My only concern is the short time between the races," said trainer John Shirreffs, "but the horse is doing very well right now and the Arlington Million is such a prestigious race, we just don't want to miss our chance in it."

Jockey Alex Solis will again be in the saddle for Shirreffs and start from post four. After Market will be making his first start outside of California since January of this year when he was eighth in an optional claiming race.

"He's an exceptional individual with an explosive kick," said Shirreffs about After Market. "Every time we've challenged him, hes been up to the challenge. He has always surprised me and I don't think he has any distance limitations. Because of his stalking style and turn of foot, he can sit and wait and call on the big kick at any time."

The Tin Man is trained by Richard Mandella for owners Aury and Ralph Todd. The winner of 13 career races likes to be on or near the lead, a style that worked well in last year's Million.

The gelding has earned more than $3,4 million in 29 starts, but has started only seven times since the beginning of 2006. This year he began with a win in the Shoemaker Mile and was second in the American Invitational.

Victor Espinoza will ride The Tin Man from post five.

A major stakes is sure to attract the attention of leading trainer Todd Pletcher. The Eclipse Award winner has entered Sunriver, the winner of the recent Bowling Green Handicap.

Sunriver, 9-2 in the program, will be ridden by Garrett Gomez from post seven. The four-year-old has made a successful switch to the turf, winning both starts since the change. Owned by Aaron and Marie Jones, the colt has won five of 13 career starts for $526,400.

Last year Sunriver registered thirds in the Florida Derby and Belmont Stakes around a win in the Peter Pan Stakes.

Completing the field for the 1 1/4 mile turf race are Jambalaya (10-11), Danak (5-1), Doctor Dino (6-1), Pressing (20-1) and Stream Cat (20-1).

The Arlington Million will be broadcast by ABC with a scheduled post-time of 5:45 p.m. (et).